Universal loop-regulating mechanism for full-fashioned-knitting machines



Dec. 1 1, 1928. 1,694,888

, C. F. MEYER UNIVERSAL LOOP REGULATING IBOHANISI FOR FULL FASHIONED KNITTING MACHINES Filed Dec- 24, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheen 1 Y INVE TUR- ATTUPQNEYi Dec. '11-, 192-8. 8 1,694,888

8 y 8 c. F. MEYER UNIVERSAL L 0 REGULATING, nacmmx FOR FULL ms NED KNIT a MACHI Filed 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 AT T URNEYE Patented Dec. 11, 19 28.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHRISTIAN F. MEYER, OF WYOMISSING, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO TEXTILE MACHINE WOQRKS, OF WYOMISSING, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORATION OF PENN- SYLVANIA.

UNIVERSAL LQOP-REGULATING MECHANISM FOR FULL-FlesHIoNED-KNITTING MACHINES.

Application filed December 24, 1927. Serial No. 242,416.

My invention relates to full-fashioned knitting machines, and more specifically to mprovements in the loop regulating mechanism thereof commonly employed in well-known manner to varyingly control the lengths of loops drawn by each needle during the laying of successive courses so as to regulate their length and to compensate for the introduction to some of the-needles only of an extra or reenforcing thread or yarn.

The main objects of my present invention are to provide in a minimum of space occu pied for an increase in possible loop-regulating controls, to insure a more convenient and positive selective control ofany desired loop regulation, topermit the use of a plurality of jointly controlled regulating mechanisms advantageously spaced lengthwise of the machine so as to avoid lost motion through torsional shaft strains, and to automatically free such mechanism from acting when the cam shaft is shifted longitudinally as heretofore to bring other cams into action. With the above objects outlined, and with others that will appear as the description progresses, my invention comprises the improved constructionhereinafter set forth in detail in connection with the drawings accompanying the same and forming part thereof, the novel features which I desire to secure by Letters Patent being defined in the subjoined claims.

Fig. 1 indicates in a diagrammatic perspective view short portions of certain known shafts ordinarily extending the entire length of a usual full-fashioned knitting machine and the connection thereto of a usual loopregulating control mechanism with my invention applied thereto, for the single needle bar indicated, the general structure and knownv operation thereof being as heretofore and requiring no further showing.

Fig. 2 is a separate front elevation of my improved loop-regulating mechanism, showing a preferred embodiment thereof and sufficient of the known machine structure t0-fully disclose its application andoperation.

Fig. 3 is a corresponding side elevation of the same.

The regulation of loop lengths in full fashioned knitting machines is common practice, it being essential for quality and finish of the knitted product to vary their lengths even in the making of one stocking, or in a single" fashioned knitting machine commonly extending the full length thereof and controlling in wellknown manner the loop regulating movements of the different knitting sections,

a single section 5 of the latter alone being indicated, it being understood, however, that certain elements are repeated 'as usual throughout the length of the machine and jointly function as heretofore to impart similar simultaneous movements to each knitting section. As shown, bar 5 is pivoted to a carrying arm 6 fixed on nee'dlebar shaft 7, said bar-being rockable on such pivotal support through a fixed depending arm 8 having a plvotally connected bar 9 adjustably engagmg a presser lever 10 secured as usual to presser shaft 11. Presser lever 10 is actuated, as heretofore, by a presser cam 12 on main cam shaft 13, and the action of said cam 1s modlfied 1n wellknown manner by means of a lever 14 on, regulating shaft15, said lever having a stud 16 forming a stop against which the end of lever 10 is drawn by a spring 17 As heretofore shaft 15 has been determinedly rocked by additional cams on shaft 13 acting on additional fixed arms on said shaft 15 to modify the action thereon of cam 12 and impart additional rocking movements to needle bar 5 as required or desired for the purposes heretofore set forth; my present invention relating to improved mechanism for determinedly and accurately oscillating or rocking said shaft 15 as will now be particularly described.

The cam shaft of the usual full fashioned knitting machine has as heretofore double sets of cams, one or other'of which set is. brought into play by longitudinal shift of said shaft and the latter is so crowded that cams for operating the regulating shaft must be dis- .cam arm 30 on shaft 15 with the r posed as space avails. In practice it is ad-' visable to repeat such regulating cams at different'portions in the length of the cam shaft so as to divide the torsional strain on the latter which may otherwise cause lost motion or deferred action along its length and consequent defective control movements; but such necessary repeats limit the variet of control cams that may be employed, and urthermore require that the operator must move along the entire length of the machine in placing each one in operation, a forgotten one we nis-set one causing defects'and even serious damage;

To overcome the above disadvantages of the heretofore known control mechanism my improvements comprise the use of com ound cams advantageously spaced lengthwise of the machine, ointly operated anywhere in the length of the latter, and such com ound cams provide for a maximum of possib e co'ntrol movements.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 2 and 3, which show only main cam shaft 13, regu- "lating shaft 15, and longitudinal front beam 20 may be advantageously placed and fixed to cam shaft 13, an

as indicated, four different control cams, 24

25, 26 and 27 may I be secured to its flanges by said bolts 23, thus providing in compact space for four difl'erent loop control regulations. And, in order that each such cam may inde endently func tion, I employ, as indicate a re latin f ee en thereof preferably forked, as shown, to carry a transverse shaft 31 u on which is mounted a double treaded antiriction roller 32 slid- ,able lengthwise on said arm shaft into the plane of any of the control cams 24, 25, 26,

or 27 for action of the latter on said regulating arm 30 to oscillate or rock regulating shaft 15. A shifting arm 33 is provided for roller 32, and the preferred double tread of the latter shown rovides for minimum longitudinal shift of said roller, one tread 32 as will be seen acting on either cam 24 or 25, while the other tread 32" acts on cams 26 or 27 The compound cam above set forth might in some cases have an added or additional flan es and the roller adapted to serve all,

and y its use I secure in a minimum of cam shaft space occupied for a maximum of; regulating control movements. Such savmg 1n space permits me to employ )more than one such cam on theca'm shaft and to advan ytageously space them so asto avoid torsional strain on said shaft; and order that all along the mac ine in parallel relation to regulating shaft 15, said rod being suitably supported. to permit longitudinal shift thereof and having the ends of each roller shift arm arm 33 fixed thereto so the latter will move equally and in unison. Said'shaft may be moved through a fixed notched sleeve 36, landled as shown, and slidable beneath a bearing extension arm 37 having a notch engaging pin 38 so as to indicate the set position of the roller. and to retain it in such adjusted position.

When the cam shaft 13 is shifted, as before stated, to bring its set of narrowing cams into action, re ulating shaft 15 is further operated there y to rock needle bar 5 so as to release the needle loop tensions thereon and permit their transfer to other needles as heretofore; but such cam shaft shift is not sufficient to move the new compound cam with its cams 24, 25, 26, and 27 out of the broad plane of regulating arm 30, so provision must e made to'free saldarm from rotating, with regulating shaft 15 when the cam shaftis thus shifted,.and to lock it to said shaft 15 so as to rotate the latter when cam shaft 13 is shifted back to cams into action 1 I -Suchv freeing and locking of arm 30 to again bring its regulating I shaft 15 is simply rovided for, as indicated -in the drawings by oosely stringing said arm. on said shaft betweenfixedcollars'40 and 41 on the latter, and providing a fixed bracket 42 .mounted on front beam 4, the end 43 of said bracket, and spaced lu 44, 44 on collar 41v having aperturesaline with an aperture in arm 30'for a series-of locking bolts longitudi nally movable therein, Locking mountedin lugs.44,44 is adapted to slide sufficiently to enter and en age the aperture in arm 30 so as to lock the atterto shaft 15, such sliding movement shiftingbolt section 46 carried in said arm a ei'ture to cause the latter to press a sprin I 0}; boltsection 47 mounted 1n bracket en 43 freelfrom engagement-with arm 30. Whenbolt 41is reverse:

ly moved, spring ba'cked bolt 47 is projected to lock arm 30 to bracket 42 thus balding it against movementwhenfshaft' 15 is rotated. 1m

Bolt 41 may be. simply shifted when cam shaft 13 is shified,;asshown, through an arm 50 on the latter securedto said bolt. I

In operationjl-jmyr improved r regu1ating mechanism-functionsas heretofore but in an 12o improved andlfsimplified manner; 'the-opera- I .tor merelyaha'v'ing to shift rod 35 by means I of handle sleeve 36 so as to definitely engage the entire series of-camsdesired and as indicated by the position of pin 38 in the proper 12:, I notch of sleeve 36. Such movement of rod 7 35 positively moveseach arm 33connected to it, andeach'arm moves its roller 32 into;

the plane of the desired regulating cam which then operates as heretofore through. arm 30 15;?

bolt 7 '41";

Cal

swinging arm 14: on said shaft to position lug 16\for proper action on regulating lever 10, connected to lever bar 5 and swinging the latter as heretofore. And when cam shaft 13 is shifted, as in narrowing, arm on said shaft moves bolt 41 to free arm 30 from locked position to shaft 15 to locked laying of the thread for certain needles as in partial reenforcing as well understood, or circumferential cams to act on all the needles as in makin different loop lengths for heavier threa loose courses, or the like.

The compound cams of my improvements permit of added regulating movements if desired and their compact location permit their repetition along the length of'the cam shaft as desirable for accuracy and avoidance of delayed movement caused by torsional distortion of said shaft under strains resulting where only one cam is used in the length of said shaft; and the automatic freeing of the regulating arm 30,when the cam shaft is shifted permits the required movement of the latter without clashing of said arm and its actuating cams.

From the foregoing description it is believed that the nature of my invention and its operation will be readily understood, the specific showing of the drawings however being but a preferred embodiment thereof capable of modifications and changes within the spirit of my invention as defined in the following claims.

What I claim is 1. In a full-fashioned knitting machine, a loop-regulating mechanism comprising a needle-bar, a loop-regulating shaft operative- I 1y connected to the latter, and a cam shaft;

a plurality of loop-regulating cams on said cam shaft, a lever on said loop-regulating shaft operatively engageable with any of said cams, and means to selectively engage said lever with a determined cam.

' 2. In a full-fashioned knitting machine, a loop-regulating mechanism comprising a needle-bar, a' loop-regulating shaft operatively connected to the latter, and a cam shaft; a compound cam on said shaft having a, plurality of cam faces arranged in different transverse planes, a lever on said loop-regw lating shaft adapted to operatively engage either of the different cam faces, and means for selectively positioning said lever to engage with a determined camface.

and a cam shaft; a'plurality of compound cams disposed along the length of said cam shaft and each having a plurality of similar respective cam faces arranged in different transverse planes, a plurality of levers on said loop regulating shaft, one for each compound cam, each adapted to operatively engage either of the different ham faces of its .to oscillate or rock shaft 15, such movement 3. In a full-fashioned knitting machine, a

I loop regulating mechanism comprising a respective compound cam, and means for jointly and simultaneously positioning each respective lever to selectively engage with a determined similar cam face of its respective compound 'cam.

4:- In a full-fashioned knitting machine, a

loop regulating mechanism comprising a,

needle-bar, a loop-regulating shaft operatively connected to the latter, and a cam shaft; a plurality of loop-regulating cams on said cam shaft, a lever on said loop-regulating shaft having a shiftable cam-engaging memher, and means to determinedly shift said member to selectively engage with any of said cams.

5. In a full-fashioned lmitting machine, a

loop-regulating mechanism comprising a needle-bar, a loop-regulating shaft operatively connected to the latter, and a cam shaft; a compound cam on said shaft having a plurality of cam faces arranged in different transverse planes, a lever on said loop-regulating shaft having a shiftable cam-engaging member, and means for selectively shifting said member to engage with a determined camface.

- 6. In a full-fashloned knitting machine, a loop-regulatlng mechanism comprising a needle-bar, a loop-regulating shaft operatively connected to the latter, and a cam shaft; a compound cam on said slfaft having a plurality of cam faces adjustablyfixed thereto in different transverse planes, a lever on said loop-regulating shaft having a shift-able cam-face engaging member, and means for determinedly shifting said member: into the plane of a selected cam face. I

7. In a full-fashioned knitting machine, a loop regulating mechanism comprising a needle-bar, a loop-regulating shaft operatively connected to the latter, and a. cam shaft; a cam block on said shaft having a plurality of cam-securing radial flanges arranged in differenttransverse planes, cam blocks securable to saidflanges in adjustable circumferential position, a lever on said loopregulating shaft having a forked end, a shaft carried by said fork, a cam-engaging member on said shaft longitudinally shiftable thereon to engage either cam block, and a shift-rod extending lengthwise of the knitting machine and operatively engaging said member,

whereby longitudinal shift "of said rod will determmedly position said member for action. of a selected cam block.

8. In a full-fashioned knitting machine, a loop regulating mechanism comprising a needlebar, a loop-regulating shaft operatively connected to the latter, and a cam shaft; a

lurality of cam blocks spaced along the ength of said cam shaft and fixed thereto, each block having a plurality of cam-securing radial flanges arranged in different transverse planes, similar cam blocks securable to the several flanges of the respective cam blocks able cam shaft having a loop-regulating cam,

in adjustable circumferential position, a plu-' rality of levers on said loop-regulating shaft,

on of similar cams of their respective cam,

blocks.

9. In a full-fashioned knitting machine, a loop regulating mechanism com rising a needle-bar, a loop-regulating sha t operatively connected to the latter, 'a longitudinally shiftfixed thereto, and a cam-actuated lever mounted on said loop-re ulating shaft; said lever being rotatably loc ed to said loop regulating shaft by-longitudinal shift of the cam shaft.

p 10. In a full-fashioned knittingmachine, a loop regulating mechanism com rising a needle-bar, a loop-regulating sha t operatively connected to the latter, a longitudinally shiftable cam shaft having a loop-regulating cam fixed thereto, and a cam-actuated lever mounterated by shift of said cam shaft in one direction to lock said lever to said loop-regulatin shaft, and t9 free said lever on reverse shi t of said cam shaft.

11. In a full-fashioned knitting machine, a'

- loop regulating mechanism com rising a needle-bar, a 100 -regulating sha t operatively connected to t e latter, a longitudinally shiftable camshaft having'a loop-regulating cam fixed thereto, and-a c am-actuated lever mounted on said 100 -r'egulating shaft; a slide bolt operated by-s ift vof said cam shaft in one direction to lock said lever to said loop-reg-w' 'bolt sections to engage said lever collar or with said bracket. ed on said loop-regulating shaft; means oplating shaft, and to free said lever on reverse shift of said cam shaft. I

12. In a full-fashioned knitting machine, a

loop regulating mechanism com rising a nee-- dle-bar, a loop-regulating sha t operatively connected to the latter, a longitudinally shiftable cam shaft having a loop-regulating cam fixed thereto, and a cam-actuated levermounted on "said loop-regulatingv shaft; 9. 'fixed 13. In a-full-fashioned knitting machine, a loop regulating mechanism com rising a neev dle-bar, a loop-regulating sha t operatively connected to the latter, a longitudinally shiftable cam shaft having a loop-regulating cam fixed thereto, and a cam-actuated 'lever normally loosely carried by said loop-re ulating shaft; a fixed member on said shaft and a frame-secured member associated with said cam actuated lever, and meansactuated by shift of said cam shaft to lock said lever to one of said members 4 14. In a loopregulating mechanism for full-fashioned knittin machines comprising cam t ierebn, and a loop regulatin shaft having a cam engagin lever loose y mounted thereon, a fixed'colar on said shaft and a alongitudinally shifta le cam shaft having a frame-secured bracket associated with said lever and having slidebolt sections normally alined with a bolt section carried by said cam engaging. lever, and means operated by reverse shifts of said cam shaft to inove said with said 15. In a full-fashioned knitting machine, a loop regulating mechanism com rising a nee- -dle=ba'r, a loop-regulating sha t operatively connected to the latter,a longitudinally shift-' able cam shaft having a loop-regulating cam fixed thereto, a cam-actuated lever loosely mounted on said loop-regulating shaft, a fixed collar on'the latter carrying locking means engageable and disengageable with said cam actuated lever, and means carried by said camshaft andshiftable with the latter to engage and disenga esaidlocking means.

nztestimony w ereof I afiix my signature.

ioHaIsrIAN F. MEYER. 

